[Medical Q&A] How to detect early signs of leukemia?

Author: Yang Lihua, deputy chief physician, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University

Reviewer: Luo Xuequn, Chief Physician, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University

As we all know, in the battle against malignant tumors, the earlier the disease is discovered and treated, the easier it is to recover. For childhood leukemia, careful observation by parents is particularly important. The following are some early signs that may indicate that a child has leukemia. If your child has the following symptoms, please seek medical attention in time and let a professional doctor conduct a professional evaluation and scientific judgment.

1. Continuous fever: If your child has a high fever that persists despite antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, this may be a sign of leukemia. Don't hesitate, get a blood test done right away.

2. Recurrent infections: Recurrent respiratory and digestive tract infections.

3. Tired and weak: The child feels listless, has no energy to run, needs to be carried when climbing stairs, and just wants to sleep when he gets home.

4. Poor complexion: The child’s face looks pale or yellow, and has lost its former rosy luster.

5. Difficulty breathing: The child feels breathless, feels like something is pressing on the chest, and breathing is not smooth.

6. Bone pain: such as knee pain and ankle pain, which may be mistaken for rheumatism.

7. Bleeding: bleeding from the gums or nose; unexplained bleeding on the skin (bleeding spots and bruises on the skin).

8. Others: Stomach distension (may be a sign of liver and spleen enlargement). Children often do not feel pain, but just cannot eat. Therefore, when changing children's clothes, if you see their stomach is "hard", you must see a doctor in time. In addition, if you find bulging bags on the neck and armpits of children, you should also be careful. If the child has testicular enlargement, that is, scrotal enlargement, discoloration and hardening, etc., pay attention to observe when changing clothes or bathing. If the child has dizziness, cramps, limb movement disorders, etc., do not take it lightly.

Parents and friends, let us work together to protect our children’s health, stay alert to these early signs, take timely action, and safeguard our children’s health.